Rural Health Information Hub Latest News

Just Published! Trauma-Informed Care: The Role of Dental Hygienists

Children and adults with a trauma history are more likely to have poor oral health and increased dental care-related fear and anxiety.

An article from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health was recently published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene. “Trauma-Informed Care in Oral Health Care: The Role of Dental Hygienists,” examines the critical role of dental hygienists to ensure patients feel heard and make them feel comfortable enough to return for regular dental care.

Click here to read the article.

Crest and Oral-B Accepting Nominations for Promising Researcher Award

The Crest and Oral-B Promising Research Award promotes and recognizes excellence in oral health research. This annual award provides $5,000 to a promising researcher focused on preventive dentistry. Candidates must be enrolled in one of the following degree programs at an eligible institution: D.D.S., D.M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent, M.P.H., M.S., Advanced Dental Degree, or foreign-equivalent. The application deadline is September 16.

Click here for more information.

CMS Launches Oral Health Cross Cutting Initiative

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the inaugural Oral Health Cross Cutting Initiative (CCI) fact sheet. This initiative is committed to ensuring equitable access to oral health care, eliminating disparities, expanding oral health service availability, and effectively engaging stakeholders. It aims to improve the oral health and wellness of individuals who have Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace coverage.

Click here to download the fact sheet.

Oral Health Resources for Older Adults Available

PCOH has added two new resources on oral health care for older adults to their Request Materials page. “Oral Health Care Tips for Older Adults” is a resource with tips for oral health care for older adults including the importance of regular dental care and dental access. “Oral Care for Long-Term Care Residents” is a tri-fold brochure with tips providers need to know for treating adults in long-term care facilities. Topics include dry mouth, denture care, and gum disease. These resources, and many others, are available to download or ship for free from the Request Materials page.

Click here to request materials.